TIFF

TIFF 2015 – Day #3

September 13, 2015 By Jonathan McNeal

Hello Again,

After my successful turn in line this morning, I was off to my first screening – MISS YOU ALREADY, directed by Catherine Hardwicke. Many people refer to this type of a film as a “chick flick.” Though there are many films that get this label, there are a handful of these guilty pleasures that I have absolutely adored over the years…and I was hoping to find a new BEACHES today. Hardwicke takes the story of two best friends since childhood (Toni Collette and Drew Barrymore) and gives it the energy and style of her film THIRTEEN. There’s lots of crazy camera moves and a series of montages in an attempt to keep it fresh, but I feel that style detracts from this already overlong story. Though there are certain elements of this film that work (namely Collette), I was mostly disappointed. However, I was still moved by the ending – so I still had some sort of emotional attachment.

I had only planned on 4 films today, but when I had a window of time, I snuck in another film instead of a nap. SLEEPING GIANT, by first-time Canadian director Andrew Cividino, is a lakeside summertime coming-of-age story about a teenage boy of privilege and his friendship with two much rougher boys living with their grandmother for the season. It’s pretty early on in the film that we feel the powder keg sensibility of what’s in store, and the story becomes a little predictable. But the cadence of the contemporary youthful dialog is just right and the boys’ performances are all strong. What’s especially lovely about this film is the subtext. This is one of the stronger films I’ve seen so far…but a hard sell – teen dramas that aren’t really meant for teens are always tricky (even when they’re as wonderful as ME AND EARL AND THE DYING GIRL).

THE LADY IN THE VAN, directed by Nicholas Hytner, was next on my list. Hytner was in attendance for this film, and the Q&A was fantastic. Based on the memoir and subsequent play by Alan Bennett, the films stars Maggie Smith (who originated the role in the play in 1999). As this was the world premiere, it was Hytner’s first time seeing the finished film with an audience, and he had such eloquent things to say. Maggie Smith is divine, and I must say that it’s smarter, funnier and significantly more touching than the trailer alludes. (Sony Classics has picked this up, so it’s pretty certain it will get a NEON run.)

Then I got to see the North American premiere of THE DANISH GIRL, directed by Tom Hooper (KINGS SPEECH). This lovely film isn’t without a couple problematic moments, and it will certainly have its LGBT detractors – harping that it’s too “easy.” That said, I think it works. With lovely art direction, exquisite costumes and incredible performances across the board, this is a love story about artists Lili Elbe and Gerda Wegener (Eddie Redmayne & Alicia Vikander). Lili, first introduced to us as Einar Wegener, is known to be the first recorded person to receive sexual reassignment surgery in the 1930’s. Her diaries, posthumously used as the basis for the book MAN INTO WOMAN, remain highly regarded work for the transgender community. There will certainly be a lot of award season buzz for this film. (In addition to a fantastic Q&A with Tom, Eddie and Alicia, the audience at this screening included many stars from other films at the festival – including Johnny Depp (his wife Amber Heard plays a wonderful role in the film, and she was stunning tonight).)

TE PROMETO ANARQUIA, directed by Julio Hernández Cordón, was my last film for the night. This gritty film set in Mexico City is about two skateboarder boyfriends and their attempt to make some cash. It feels a bit like some of Gus Van Sant’s indie work (less GOOD WILL HUNTING and MILK, more PARANOID PARK and ELEPHANT). There are a lot of scenes where we simply see people traveling through the landscapes of the town with a loud, music-driven soundtrack. And there a handful of scenes with dudes showing off their machismo – which I understood their intent but felt were some of the weaker moments. The storytelling was uneven and overly long, and I think some of the plot points were haphazardly executed. About 25 minutes in, I considered leaving…but I’m glad I stuck it out.

I finished up the night with cocktails and catching up with some friends from NYC. Some high profiles films are on the docket for tomorrow – looking forward to them.

Thanks for reading!

Jonathan

TIFF 2015 – Day #2

September 11, 2015 By Jonathan McNeal

Hello Again!

Today started off much the way they’ll all start. I pulled myself out of bed after 4.5 hours sleep and scurried into the industry ticket line. (Not having to run across town each morning is really fantastic.)

The first film I saw today was from one of Canada’s most beloved filmmakers – Atom Egoyan (THE SWEET HEREAFTER, CHLOE, and many more). REMEMBER stars Christopher Plummer as a Holocaust survivor with dementia who escapes from his nursing home to seek revenge on the Auschwitz commander who killed his family. Though a serious and intriguing subject, with moments of great tension, the film sometimes comes off as a bit twee when dealing with Plummer’s age and condition. There’s a good story here, but I just didn’t completely buy it. That said, I know many people will love this film.

Next up was IN CONVERSATION WITH JULIANNE MOORE. Clips from Moore’s career (BOOGIE NIGHTS, BIG LEBOWSKI, FAR FROM HEAVEN, THE HOURS, STILL ALICE, and more) played before she took the stage for a hour-long interview with Cameron Baily (and eventually a handful of audience questions). As I already knew, this woman is a class act. It was exciting to hear her insights on acting and her eloquence and command of language is so refreshing. She mostly spoke of her career in indie films, but she still referenced all the Hollywood material (JURASSIC, HUNGER GAMES, etc) she’s done…and she attributes her years on soap opera for giving her an opportunity to really learn to work. When asked by a young, college bound actress about seeking a career and having a “plan B” (referencing STILL ALICE), Julianne suggested always getting a college degree (even if it is in acting) and “do everything that interests you.” I love her! (The Star covered this event. For their story, visit this LINK…though the link might not work outside of Canada.)

After lunch and a 30 minute nap, I scurried to THE LOBSTER, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos. This is a film set in a parallel universe – but it’s not really science fiction. It’s the story of a man who goes to a hotel where people go to find partners. After 45 days, if they haven’t found a partner, they get turned into an animal of their choice (OK, so maybe a hint of science fiction). This quirky allegory is from the man who brought us DOGTOOTH – one of my favorite challenging films of the past decade. THE LOBSTER is the director’s first English language film, and though I certainly like some of its themes and some of its moral and societal questions, I felt it was a little more disjointed than I’d prefer. I felt like the film began to lose steam in its second and third act. That said, I’d certainly watch it again…so there’s a testament to its strengths.

My last film for the day was KILL YOUR FRIENDS, directed by Owen Harris. This is a super-polished and scathing look at the music industry – starring Nicholas Hoult and based on a best-selling novel. The portrait of how things get done for record labels (though I’m sure you could substitute any number of high profile “glamorous” jobs) is relentless, and the drug use, the disregard for women (and in this over-the-top case, even violence) was terribly off-putting. Now here’s the question. Will some audiences simply revel in it? Will the drug use and hookers with bare breasts seem the ultimate goal to some…or will audiences really read it as a cautionary tale? I’m hoping for the latter. Nicholas Hoult plays the adorable maniac very well, and the movie recalls the tone and message of films like THE PLAYER and AMERICAN PSYCHO.

That’s it for today. I’m off for a beer with some friends. Hoping to be in bed by midnightish….we’ll see.

Thanks for reading,

Jonathan

P.S. You can quickly look at all my Toronto posts by going to www.mostmetro.com/tag/tiff Thank you!

TIFF 2015 – Day 1

September 11, 2015 By Jonathan McNeal

Hello Daytonians & Film Lovers!

Thanks for checking in to see how everything went with my first day of screenings. I got up early and was in the Industry Box Office line by 6:55…and there were still several people ahead of me. This line starts a little earlier each year, and some folks have joked about possibly camping out. I’m glad to report that I did get the tickets I desired for Saturday – including the premiere of THE DANISH GIRL.

After grabbing tickets, I went to my first screening – HITCHCOCK/TRUFFAUT, directed by Kent Jones. This is wonderful, and film lovers will delight. Using the famous book written by French New Wave darling Francois Truffaut as a launching pad, this film explores that famous interview and is such the careers of both Hitch and Truffaut. We get interviews from contemporary directors who have great relationships with the book (Wes Anderson, Martin Scorsese, David Fincher, Oliver Assayas and more), and numerous sound bites from the week-long interview back in the 60’s. Hearing Hitchcock talk about his work will delight cinema theorists…especially when he talks about what’s really happening during a certain scene in VERTIGO. (There is no trailer available for this film yet…just one of these famous stills.)

$Truffaut.Hitchcock_Photo.by.Philippe.Halsman.Courtesyof.CohenMediaGroup.3_{26725b4d-9af9-e411-8342-d4ae527c3b65}_lg$

Next up, I saw 45 YEARS, directed by Andrew Haigh. Starring Charlotte Rampling and Tom Courtenay, this is a film about a couple preparing for their 45th Wedding Anniversary party. Early in the film, Courtenay’s character receives a letter that the body of a former girlfriend has been found in the ice (she died in an accident while hiking by a glacier decades before). The news shakes him to his core, and his wife begins to take offense that he still seems to care so deeply about someone else. Full of some wonderful performances and always aware of the passing of time, this film makes you realize how quickly the foundation can be shaken from below your feet. The sound design (and lack of score except for incidental music) was particularly interesting. Though still a little “flummoxed” with the ending, I ultimately like this quiet, slow-paced film.

Before going back the apartment to get ready for Opening Night, I saw one more film – EVERYTHING WILL BE FINE, directed by Wim Wenders. After Wenders made PINA (one of my favorite documentaries ever) in 3D, he decided that he would continue using that format for narrative film. It’s certainly interesting to see a film where 3D is used as an artistic tool instead of an effect-driven gimmick. That said, this film was all over the map. Meandering, overscored, and dotted with some bombastic moments and a weak screenplay, I found it difficult to care too much about the characters.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7N8ZZ7Q8Os

Last up, I went the official Opening Night film – DEMOLITION, directed by Jean-Marc Vallee (director of DALLAS BUYERS CLUB and WILD). TIFF has a reputation for programming “not-so-great” films for Opening Night (THE JUDGE, SCORE: A HOCKEY MUSICAL, etc.). But tonight’s film was quite good…perhaps the best they’ve programmed over the past decade. This is the a about a man who seems to be unable to feel anything after the death of his wife (she dies in a car accident that leaves her husband unharmed). Jake Gyllenhaal gives a wonderful performance as a man who is incapable of feeling emotions. Driven by work, he is otherwise disconnected with the life he’s living. Though there are moments written into the script that seem more driven by potential audience pleasure than character development, I rather liked this film.

Glenn Kiser, a director & friend who visited Dayton for The Dayton LGBT Film Festival a few years ago, invited me to the Opening Night screening and Party. We had a great time catching up and the party was quite a sight (“people watching” is quite fun in this scenario, and complimentary booze certainly helps to make things merrier).

It’s 1:30am, and I need to be up in 5 hours.

All the best,

Jonathan

Toronto 2015 – Day 0.5 (Pre-Festival)

September 9, 2015 By Jonathan McNeal

Hello Readers.

Thanks for checking out the blog where I’ll cover my adventures during the Toronto International Film Festival!

After almost 12 hours of travel (a cancelled flight, a delayed flight, an extra flight, etc.), I finally made it to Toronto. Luckily, I never really let it get me down. And upon arriving at the apartment I rented, any possible negative vibes were wiped clean. The view is amazing, the apartment is adorable, and I’m less than 1/2 block from where I need to go every morning (instead of several blocks and 7 subway stops).

Films don’t start until tomorrow. Arriving a day early lets me get my bearings and truly begin to figure out what my screening schedule will be. For the general public, screenings kick off tomorrow evening…but for press and industry folks, there are a number of screenings beginning first thing tomorrow morning.

Each day, I’ll get in line around 7am. This allows me to pick 2 public screenings per day (but with 2 days advance notice). Tomorrow morning (Thursday), I’ll get 2 tickets for Saturday (which I hope will include the premiere of THE DANISH GIRL…more about that in a moment). In addition to those 2 public screenings, my pass allows me to watch as many P&I (“press & industry”) screenings as I’d like (but those can get a little stuffy with just industry folks – I like to hear and see true film lover responses…thus I upgraded my P&I pass to include the 2 public screenings per day).

I already picked up a couple tickets for Friday. One ticket isn’t a movie at all – it’s a Charlie Rose-style Discussion in an intimate-ish auditorium with Julianne Moore. Doesn’t that sound exciting?

Tomorrow’s first film will likely be HITCHCOCK/TRUFFAUT…and in the evening, I’ll head to the Opening Night Film & Party (courtesy of an invitation from Glenn Kiser – a director who visited Dayton for the LGBT Film Fest a few years ago).

Here are just a few films I’m really looking forward to over the next several days:

45 YEARS – directed by Andrew Haigh (we showed his incredible film WEEKEND at the Dayton LGBT Film Fest plus a traditional run at THE NEON, and I also adore his show LOOKING on HBO…and then there’s Charlotte Rampling to seal the deal)

THE DANISH GIRL (from the director of KING’S SPEECH comes a film that will likely have Eddie Redmayne back at the Oscars next year)

And of course a little something with Dame Maggie…

Stay tuned.

I’ll write each night/morning and review all the films I see each day (anywhere from 3 to 5 per day).

Thanks for stopping by,

Jonathan

DIARY OF A TEENAGE GIRL & Important Parking News at THE NEON

August 27, 2015 By Jonathan McNeal

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=teenage+girl+trailer+sony+classics
Hello Everyone.

A new, wonderful film that has garnered amazing critical response is now playing at THE NEON – THE DIARY OF A TEENAGE GIRL. In addition, we are holding the incredible film with Jason Segel – THE END OF THE TOUR as well as our biggest hit of 2015 – MR. HOLMES. To read more about our held-over titles, please visit our website at www.neonmovies.com.

Synopsis for THE DIARY OF A TEENAGE GIRL: “Like most teenage girls, Minnie Goetze (Bel Powley) is longing for love, acceptance and a sense of purpose in the world. Minnie begins a complex love affair with her mother’s (Kristen Wiig) boyfriend, “the handsomest man in the world,” Monroe (Alexander Skarsgard). What follows is a sharp, funny and provocative account of one girl’s sexual and artistic awakening, without judgment.” (taken from Sony Classics) Given 100% reviews from The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, Washington Post and many more. Entertainment Weekly wrote, “…there are moments you’ll ache for Minnie and other ones where you’ll want to lock her away – it rings much truer than most coming-of-age stories.” Peter Travers of Rolling Stone wrote, “Powley is sensational, expertly blending hilarity and heartbreak. Her scenes with Wiig, sublime in her hard-won gravity, are unique and unforgettable. Just like the movie.” Click this LINK to visit the film’s official website.

The Deaf Community Resource Center is bringing a special, one-time screening of THE DEAF CLUB to town on Thursday, Sept. 24 at 7:30. This movie is completely done in sign language (though subtitles are available for those who don’t sign). “Deaf people have it all – friends, romance, fights, etc. – at their own club, where everyone uses sign language. Suddenly, the members face a situation where their precious club may have to close. Can they save the deaf club? Almost the entire production team is deaf or hard of hearing.” (taken from press notes) Tickets, just $10 each, will be available at THE NEON’s box office beginning Monday, Aug 24.

On Saturday, September 26 at Noon, Twentig, Inc. will host a special benefit screening and discussion of the film BELLE.” BELLE is a historical fictionalization of a true story about Dido Elizabeth Belle who was born of mixed race in the West Indies. She lived with her great uncle William Murray, the first Earl of Mansfield, Lord Chief Justice of England. Lord Mansfield’s decision on a case in 1786 in the English Courts led to the abolition of slavery in Britain. The film was inspired by the 1779 painting of Belle beside her cousin Lady Elizabeth Murray at Kenwood House.” (taken from press notes) Tickets are $30 each and come with admission to the film, the post-film discussion, a glass of wine and popcorn.

As many of you have noticed, we now share our parking lot with Drake’s Gym (a boxing and CrossFit gym now located in the former Greyhound building). This Saturday, the gym is hosting a big fundraising boxing match in our shared parking lot. This means that parking will not be available in that lot all day on Saturday. Please remember that we do validate for the Convention Center Parking Lot on Saturdays…so give yourselves a little extra time to find parking if you’re coming to see a film on Saturday afternoon/evening.

Thanks for your continued support.
We hope to see you this weekend!
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, August 28 – Thursday, September 3:

THE END OF THE TOUR (R) 1 Hr 46 Min
Friday, Saturday: 2:30, 7:15, 9:40
Sunday: 2:30, 7:15
Monday – Thursday: 2:45, 7:40

MR. HOLMES (PG) 1 Hr 45 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:15, 4:50
Monday – Thursday: 5:15

THE DIARY OF A TEENAGE GIRL (R) 1 Hr 42 Min
Friday, Saturday: 12:20, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:40
Sunday: 12:20, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:20, 7:40

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)
Sept. 4 – MISTRESS AMERICA
Sept. 11 – MERU
Sept. 18 – LEARNING TO DRIVE
Sept. 25 – GRANDMA
Oct. 2 – PHOENIX
TBD – JIMMY’S HALL

TIFF 2014 – Day #9

September 13, 2014 By Jonathan McNeal

Friday, September 12, 2014

Hello.

Thanks for coming back to check out my last day of screenings at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival. Even though I didn’t see as many as I have during some years, I had a great time and managed to see 30 films, visit with lots of people in various aspects of the industry, and attend a couple fun parties.

My first film today was Susanne Bier’s A SECOND CHANCE. I was first introduced to Bier’s work at my first TIFF back in 2002. That’s where I saw OPEN HEARTS (her film from the Dogme Movement) and I fell in love…BROTHERS, AFTER THE WEDDING, the Oscar winning IN A BETTER WORLS – all great films. Bier is truly a gifted storyteller, but this new film is just too over-the-top for me. A veteran police officer and his wife are new, proud parents…but when the baby dies in the night of SIDS, the cop decides to swap his dead child with a mistreated baby from an ill-kept apartment to help nurse back his terribly depressed wife. This film is like a more cinematic, 2-hour episode of LAW & ORDER: SVU. Though the craft is there, the story and the script seem too big and even trite at times. Though I was engaged and wanted to see what happened, I was ultimately disappointed. (The lead actor, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, is from GAMES OF THRONES. I’m sure there will be added appeal due to his presence.)

I usually only name films that I finish. If I walk out early, I don’t feel a review is warranted. That said, I watched the first 20 minutes of a movie today to kill some time. My plan was to leave early because I needed to get to a different screening. The movie was X + Y, and I was truly engaged (Sally Hawkins is in it, so that adds to the allure). I wish I could have finished it, but I wanted to get to ST. VINCENT in time.

ST. VINCENT is Bill Murray’s most recent film. It’s the story of a grumpy, older man who ends up babysitting his new next door neighbor’s kid when he gets home from school. Murray takes the kid to the race tracks, teaches him to defend himself on the playground and adds a few new colorful words to his vocabulary. Though a little “easy” sometimes, this film is a crowd-pleaser.

My last film of this year’s fest was LEARNING TO DRIVE – a film starring Patricia Clarkson and Ben Kingsley. What a perfect way to end the fest! This is a film about a middle-aged woman who has just been left by her husband. Feeling even more trapped in her life by not being able to pick up and go visit her daughter, she finally takes the driving lessons she needs in order to get a license. Clarkson is luminous in this film, and her chemistry with Kingsley is spectacular. Clarkson attended the Q&A, and she told this audience that this is a film she’s been trying to make for 9 years. It’s touching, it’s very funny, and it’s a liberating film in regards to finding and taking control of yourself. I hope it finds distribution!

After the screening, I met up with a childhood friend who now lives in Buffalo. It’s been 5 years since I saw him last, and it was so great to catch up.

Thanks so much for checking in on my TIFF experience. It’s been a great year, and I’m going to miss this wonderful city.

In the next few days, I’ll try to upload a few photos I took on my phone and come up with a mini-recap.

All the best,

Jonathan

TIFF 2014 – Day #8

September 12, 2014 By Jonathan McNeal

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Welcome back! Thanks for checking out my Day #8 blog of my TIFF adventures.

This morning was so different than the others. I slept in! Because I didn’t need to be in line by 7:00, I woke up at 9:15 instead of 6am. It was glorious!

My first film of the day was LOVE IN THE TIME OF CIVIL WAR – a French-Canadian film about a 20-something guy with a crack problem. An alternate title for this film could be DON’T DO CRACK. I’ve never seen such a gruelingly monotonous film about drug use. The lead character smokes to get high, has some sex (in what is generally very unsexy footage), buys some drugs and gets high again. Sometimes, he has to find money – so he robs someone, gets paid for sex and then buys more drugs and gets high. This film could essentially be a 2-hour PSA about the horrors of crack. As much as I wanted to go, I felt like I needed to stay. I didn’t make the right decision.

There is no trailer available for this film. Below is a picture.

I went into my next film with a qualifier in place. If the film failed to reel me in within the first 12 minutes, I would leave to go to a different selection. It failed and I walked. The next selection was worse. Including eye-rolling situations with characters that were much too twee or playing on archetypal stereotypes, I failed to see the backbone of good storytelling…so I left that screening and got lunch instead.

After a 30-minute nap, I was off to AN EYE FOR BEAUTY – the new film from Denys Arcand (director of BARBARIAN INVASIONS, JESUS OF MONTREAL and more). It’s the story of a married man and how he’s both interested in another woman and dealing with the mental instability of wife. This film is full of stunning landscapes, the changing seasons, and well-written dialog.Though fully engaged, I felt the film fell flat with a lack of focus.

There is no trailer with English subtitles, but take a look at this anyway.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1QO8SXywHs

THE IMITATION GAME was my final film for the day. I am quite certain that this film will be nominated for “Best Picture.” I’ll bet the farm on it! Based on the story of Alan Turing and the breaking of the Enigma codes, this film is filled with familiar NEON favorites Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley and Matthew Goode. The art direction is superb, the story is touching and suspenseful with quite a few laughs, and the packed 1200+ audience was truly engaged. Though I wasn’t as emotionally attached to this film as I was to THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING, I still think this film will play very well. (For those who know the story, NCR was only mentioned once very quickly. No other mention of Dayton was made.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5CjKEFb-sM

A last-minute decision for a late-night cocktail in the neighborhood where I’m staying ended up creating a nice evening. I ran into some old and new friends and was able to talk about highlights of the festival before wrapping it up for the night. More than likely, I’ll see at least 3 films tomorrow…and I head home Saturday.

More soon!

Thanks for reading,

Jonathan

TIFF 2014 – Day #7

September 11, 2014 By Jonathan McNeal

Wednesday, September 10.2014

Hi Again!

I only saw three films today, but I also attended a pretty great, intimate party.

First off, I saw OUT OF NATURE – a Norwegian film about a man who decides to spend the weekend hiking in the mountains…away from his job, his wife, his son. In film school, you’re taught to – “Show. Don’t Tell.” This simply means that an audience should be able to figure out what someone is thinking by their strong performance…not by what a narrator or bad dialog is telling us. This film is a rule-breaker – but it’s also the point. As the protagonist is getting ready for his trip and as he’s hiking up the mountain, we get his interior dialog and realize exactly what he’s thinking, what he’s feeling. In earlier scenes, we understand that he has issues connecting with people, and through the voice-overs, we understand that his thoughts are mostly of sex and breaking free from the routine of his current life. Ultimately, I liked this film…but it’s a tough sell. Including everything from a naked jogging scene to masturbation and urination, we truly live with this character over the course of the weekend. It’s an inner journey we take with this character, and though you may not be on the same page with his thoughts, you can certainly empathize with the idea of an interior monologue.

Because this trailer contains graphic content, you’ll have to follow the link to find it on youtube.

MAPS TO THE STARS was next up. It’s the new, darkly satirical film about “Hollywood-types” from David Cronenberg (that said, it could be about any “types” where greed and narcissism play a role in success). Julianne Moore won “Best Actress” this year at Cannes for this film (but I think her performance in STILL ALICE is even stronger). If you’re familiar with Cronenberg’s work, you know you’re in for a non-traditional ride in MAPS TO THE STARS. It’s unsettling, it has awkward moments when laughter seems imminent but also wildly inappropriate, and the stellar cast is committed to the long, crazy ride. Not a favorite…but not bad.

ELEPHANT SONG was the big treat today. I went to see this film because I wanted to see Xavier Dolan in a film that he didn’t direct…and one in which he’s speaking English. Though this film certainly shows its roots of being based on a play, I didn’t mind. The performances (Dolan, Catherine Keener, Bruce Greenwood), the set design, the screenplay – they are all terrific.This is the story of a young man in a mental institution who may know the whereabouts of a doctor who has recently disappeared. Taking place mostly in the doctor’s office, the film has a claustrophobic feel…and Dolan at times channels a young Jack Nicholson. I went on a lark to this screening, and I’m so glad I did. I hope this film find distribution!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMjQ9i6J5B0

At the end of the evening, I was invited by a friend to attend a party being thrown for Ethan Hawke’s new documentary called SEYMOUR: AN INTRODUCTION. It was a small party at the Trump Hotel, and it was lovely. I ran into a couple folks from indiewire as well as got to hang out with a festival programmer I met several years ago. Hawke was in attendance, but I never felt like interrupting him. On my way out, someone whispered, “Did you see who just walked by you?” “I didn’t,” I responded. “That’s Mike Tyson.”

More tomorrow – including one of the most talked about/buzzed about films of the festival season – THE IMITATION GAME.

Thanks for reading,

Jonathan

TIFF 2014 – Day #6

September 10, 2014 By Jonathan McNeal

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Hello. Thanks for coming back!

STILL ALICE was my first film today. Based on a famous novel, this is the story of a linguistics professor who is dealing with early onset Alzheimer’s. We learn in the film that diagnosis can come late in highly educated people – as they learn to have tricks to help retain their memory. Julianne Moore plays the lead in this film, and she’s terrific. This is a sad story due to the fact that we’re watching the terrible effects of a hideous disease…but Moore brings such humanity to the role that you can’t let go.

There’s no trailer for this film yet, but you can hear Julianne talk about the film below.

With a screenplay by Nick Hornby (who attended the screening), WILD is based on the true story of Cheryl Strayed’s hike up the Pacific Crest Trail. Played by Reese Witherspoon (Oscar buzz is well underway), the story starts at the middle of her hike and circles back to the beginning…but the beginning of the hike isn’t the beginning of the story. Through a series of flashbacks, we fully begin to understand why she’s taking this grueling journey. For the first 15 minutes of this film, I was skeptical…but then it reeled me in. The real Cheryl Strayed attended this screening, and had a lot of eloquent things to say about her journey – both physical and emotional.

PHOENIX was next. This is the story of Nelly, a concentration camp survivor who has reconstructive facial surgery upon coming back into society. After she recovers, she begins the search in post-war Berlin for her husband – who may have betrayed her to the Nazis. Upon finding him, he doesn’t recognize her, and they begin a tension-filled game that is bound to reveal the truth. The concept of this film is a little hard to believe initially. Really? He didn’t recognize her? But if you let that go, everything else is spectacular. The production design, the tension and the performances.

Sorry…no subtitles trailer yet.

My last film of the day was TWO DAYS, ONE NIGHT – the new film from the Dardenne Brothers. This gem stars Marion Cotillard as Sanda – a mother and wife who has just found out that her job is in jeopardy. Other employees have been given the decision to chose between getting bonuses or retaining Sandra’s position at the factory. Majority rules…and the vote will be taken Monday morning. Over the course of the weekend, she attempts to visit the other employees and plead her case – even though doing so seems degrading and hurtful to an already fragile state-of-mind. In true Dardenne fashion, the film is truly a piece of realism with keen insights to what makes us work.

More tomorrow! Thanks for checking in!

Jonathan

TIFF 2014 – Day #5

September 9, 2014 By Jonathan McNeal

Monday, September 8, 2014!

Hello!

It was another late night…and another early morning…but the first film I saw after waiting in line for Wednesday’s public tickets was the new comedy from Noah Baumbach – WHILE WE’RE YOUNG. I loved it! Unfortunately, most of the films I saw today do not have trailers yet, so still photos will have to do.

Full of keen observations on generational differences between 40-somethings and 20-somethings, WHILE WE’RE YOUNG is one of the funniest, most charming comedies I have seen in years! In its third act, the film goes into some deeper territory, but it was all material that I found directly relatable…and I loved it. The film stars Ben Stiller, Naomi Watts, Adam Driver, Amanda Seyfried, and Charles Grodin. It hasn’t been picked up yet American distribution, but I’m certain it will!

OCTOBER GALE is a new thriller starring one of my favorite actresses – Patricia Clarkson (directed by Ruba Nadda, who directed Clarkson in CAIRO TIME). It’s the story of a woman, while still getting over the death of her husband, visits her Autumn, remote island cottage. While there, a mysterious man with a gunshot wound washes onto her shore, and it’s quickly made clear that someone will soon arrive to finish the job. I liked the tone and pacing of this film quite a bit…until a single moment when I thought the script took a ridiculous turn. Clarkson saves this film to some degree…but saving it completely would have required a rewrite.

I have bad news for the folks who are terribly anxious for THE LAST FIVE YEARS. This is a film version of the off-Broadway musical by Jason Robert Brown. Though the adaptation is quite faithful, it’s also quite uncinematic. The lead performances by Anna Kendrick and Jeremy Jordan are beautifully sung and full of charisma, but the film failed to get off the ground for me until there was a fun, playful song about working summer stock in Ohio (it was the first time that the camera work came alive and played with location, etc.). All this said, the people who are terribly anxious about it will love it regardless – as the director barely played with any of the material (it’s as straight-forward as possible – aka hardly exciting on screen at all).

PASOLINI is a film about the famous director’s last days starring Willem Dafoe, directed by Abel Ferrara. Dafoe is incredible in this film, and the material with Pasolini commenting on his feelings about humanity and our drive for materialism were quite compelling (so much so that I want a copy of the screenplay). That said, I found the film to be a little jumbled (and even slightly confusing sometimes…as Ferrara made a decision not to give us subtitles during some rather difficult moments). We get to look at the film Pasolini wanted to make next and hear about the novel he never published – all before his murder by a hustler. It’s a tough film, but I think people who give it a chance may be inspired to learn more about this iconic filmmaker.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOVDmHmisQw

Thanks for checking in. I’m looking forward to the new Dardenne Brothers film tomorrow – TWO DAYS, ONE NIGHT.

More tomorrow!

Jonathan

TIFF 2014 – Day #4

September 8, 2014 By Jonathan McNeal

Sunday, September 7, 2014

Hello Again.

Last night was a late night again…so this morning started with a drag…but I don’t regret staying out until 2:00. I had dinner with an old friend (I met Bill in line for Almodovar’s TALK TO HER back in 2002) and then met a couple other friends for cocktails. It was a great night.

This morning started in line like all the other mornings. I managed to get the tickets I want for Tuesday public screenings (including WILD – the buzz for Reese Witherspoon is quite big), and I was then off to my first P&I screening.

TOUR DE FORCE was first. It’s a German film about a group of friends getting together for their annual bike ride. This year, the protagonist has chose Belgium as the destination – much to his friends’ consternation. Within the first act, it is revealed that he has chosen Belgium because physician assisted suicide is an option there. He has ALS, and his body is reacting worse and worse each day. The chemistry of the friends is quite good, and I liked a lot of the film, but I think it lost its way a couple times. Ultimately, I think there’s a really strong 80 minute film here. Unfortunately, the 95 minute version isn’t the best.

FACE OF AN ANGEL was my next selection. It’s the new Michael Winterbottom film that uses the murder of an American student traveling in Italy (the Meredith Kercher case is clearly the inspiration) as the jumping point for the film. This movie is about a filmmaker who has been offered the chance to write a screenplay and direct the film version of the murder and court proceedings. As he gets deeper into understanding the dynamics, he decides he’d rather create a film that speaks to the murder but isn’t actually traditional telling of the story. Daniel Bruhl, who I first fell in love with in GOODBYE, LENIN, plays the director, and Kate Beckinsale plays the journalist who has written extensively about the case. Sadly, I think the film becomes a self-reflexive jumble – with dream sequences and drug-induced hallucinations that create a frenzy of a film that ultimately doesn’t work. Though I like that the film makes us question the idea of “truth,” I wasn’t up for all the antics of this story.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zbWCcSBva4

I was quite excited to see MISS JULIE – the new Liv Ullmann adaptation of the classic play by Strindberg, starring Jessica Chastain and Collin Farrell. This is the story of a daughter of a count who is enamored by a well-spoken valet. What initially seems like flirting becomes a cat and mouse game for control of affections and desire – and certainly an examination of class. The production elements are divine, and Chastain’s performance is absolutely incredible, but I ultimately felt that the adaptation was rather arduous. There’s something to be said for honoring the text of a classic play, but I think this film needs tightening.

And then I saw the world premiere of THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING – the story of Stephen Hawking, his relationship with his wife and his battle with ALS. I love this film! The photography is lovely, the evolving period aspects are perfect, and the performances are out of this world. I didn’t sense a false note in any moment, and I think numerous awards will follow. Eddie Redmayne was in attendance and spoke quite eloquently of the process of creating his body movements – which involved doctors and a choreographer. In addition to all the folks from the film (many of whom participated in the Q&A), there were several stars in attendance for the screening – including Andrew Garfield, Jon Stewart and Julie Taymor. THE NEON has tentatively put this film on the schedule right around Thanksgiving! (Look at this photo comparison…I’ve only just seen it, and it makes the film all the more impressive.)

Thanks again for checking in!

Jonathan

TIFF 2014 – Day #3

September 7, 2014 By Jonathan McNeal

Saturday, Sept. 6, 2014

Hello Again,

THE RIOT CLUB was my first P&I screening of the day. It’s the new film from Lone Scherfig – director of AN EDUCATION (the “Best Picture” Oscar nominee that made Carey Mulligan a full-fledged star). This is a film about a “posh” club of young men at Oxford. They’re a terribly attractive, elite group (the limit for the club is 10) who are and smart, charismatic, “well-bred,” and quite self righteous. The movie is about their search for 2 new members and their annual dinner that allows them to indulge in debauchery. There’s underlying tension during the whole film that truly becomes terrifying in the third act. Overall, the film is a well done look at class and abuse of privilege.

THE NEW GIRLFRIEND is the new film from one of my favorite filmmakers, Francois Ozon (UNDER THE SAND, 8 WOMEN, SWIMMING POOL, TIME TO LEAVE, IN THE HOUSE). Ozon, like Woody Allen, has a new film almost every year. Some are brilliant (see all of the films listed above) and some are not (though even ANGEL, RICKY and HIDEAWAY have their merits). THE NEW GIRLFRIEND is about a woman who has become depressed after the death of her best friend. After working through some pain, she summons the courage to visit her friend’s husband only to discover some secrets that will change her life (I don’t want to give away too much.) This story is based on a novel by Ruth Rendell, and her work has been adapted by other favorite filmmakers like Pedro Almodovar and Claude Chabrol. Sadly, this film has some major tone issues…but I was intrigued enough to stick around and see what happened.

Sadly, there’s no trailer with subtitles yet, but here’s the French trailer:

PRIDE was my only public screening for the day, and it has already been booked for THE NEON this Fall. With a stellar cast of British NEON regulars (not to mention thematic elements that interest me), it was a film I had to put on my list. Just look at this cast: Bill Nighy (BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL, NOTES ON A SCANDAL), Imelda Staunton (VERA DRAKE, ANOTHER YEAR), Paddy Considine (IN AMERICA). The movie, based on a true story, is about a coal miners’ strike in the UK in 1984 – and how a group of gay and lesbian people began collecting money for the cause. From watching the trailer, I thought I’d be in for a fun, charming ride…but the trailer doesn’t do the film justice. Instead I got a moving, inspiring, uplifting and heartbreaking film. There weren’t many dry eyes in the house. I think this film could go on to win the audience award – as 1000+ people in today’s audience were on their feet cheering for quite a while. When the curator introduced not only the cast but some of the real life people on whom the film is based, the crowd went wild. A truly, truly wonderful film! (Below is a little pic I snapped of the Q&A.)

Thanks for checking in,

Jonathan

TIFF 2014 – Day #2

September 6, 2014 By Jonathan McNeal

Friday, September 5, 2014

Hello Again,

After getting the tickets I desired for Sunday (which include THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING and MISS JULIE – 2 films I can’t wait to see), I scurried to a screening that I ended up leaving after 20 minutes. I had been up in the air about seeing it, but when it wasn’t working for me, I decided to scurry across the hall and see GEMMA BOVERY – and I’m glad I did.

GEMMA BOVERY is a modern take on the Flaubert novel MADAME BOVARY (which is next on my list) – but actually based upon a graphic novel by Posy Simmonds (known for her FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD update TAMARA DREWE). The film was directed by Anne Fontaine (COCO BEFORE CHANEL), and the male protagonist (NEON regulars will recognize Fabrice Luchini from POTICHE and IN THE HOUSE) is a baker who narrates the film and is quite familiar with the Flaubert novel…in fact he interferes and attempts to change the course of actions for the title character Gemma Bovery (which is close to Emma Bovary). This might all sound a little confusing, but it’s actually quite fun (despite its melancholy shadow). Luchini is hysterical, and Gemma Arterton (who plays Gemma Bovery) is sexy and delightful. (I could see Sony Classics, Cohen Media or Music Box films picking up this film for distribution.)

Sadly, I can’t find a trailer with subtitles…below is all I could find.

Next I saw the latest adaptation of MADAME BOVARY. Like ANNA KARENINA and JANE EYRE, MADAME BOVARY has been translated to film numerous times. This version stars Mia Wasikowska in the title role, and thoughthe production values are sturdy, I ultimately think it fell a bit flat. That said, I may be hyper-critical…as I do think there’s an audience that will embrace this adaptation. For me, Emma never really came to life. We see her rack up debt, we see her bored in her marriage, we see her flinging herself into affairs, but she never had that spark that really made me care. I was intrigued enough to stay through the end, but I wasn’t moved to tears. (Though I’m not trying to draw comparisons, I prefer Huppert & Chabrol.)

Sadly, there is no trailer for yet for this film…but here’s a production still.

GUIDANCE is the feature directorial debut of Pat Mills (he also stars in it). In 2009, The Dayton LGBT Film Festival played one of Pat’s hysterical short films – PAT’S FIRST KISS, and I got to meet him here at TIFF a couple weeks before our festival. I’ve kept up with him over the years, and I was happy I could snag a ticket to the world premiere of his first feature. This film is about an out-of-work, alcohol-dependent, delusional actor who lies on his application and applies for a job as a high school counselor (he figures he can play the part). The material is wildly inappropriate (the counselor does vodka shots with students to loosen them up), but there are moments of genuine honesty and tenderness. This combination creates a rather interesting comedy with some wonderful one-liners. I’m quite proud of Mills for seeing this project through and for his upcoming distribution deal (it has yet to be announced, but it’s gonna happen).

Now I’m off to bed. I’ll wake again in less than 6 hours to do it all over again.

More soon.

Thanks for reading,

Jonathan

TIFF 2014 – Day #1

September 5, 2014 By Jonathan McNeal

Hello Everyone,

I got back on track rather quickly this morning. After a couple hours of waiting in lines, I still managed to get the tickets I wanted for the next couple days. (Each day, my pass allows me to get 2 tickets for public screenings that occur 2 days later (i.e. on Friday morning, I’ll get 2 tickets for public screenings on Sunday). My pass also allows me to see an unlimited number of screenings that are designated for press & industry.)) After I got my tickets, I went to see a press/industry screening of MOMMY – the Cannes-Award-Winning film from Xavier Dolan.

MOMMY is a film about a volatile teenage boy who has come back home to live with his mother after a stint in a group home. The film’s protagonist – Steve – is a good-looking, foul-mouthed powder keg, and the film is at times truly terrifying. Dolan’s love of creating music montages (almost music videos within the narrative) is back in full-force with this film. The film has some very powerful moments and the performances are mostly quite strong – in particular, Dolan favorite Anne Dorval, who plays Steve’s mother. (Dorval was also in the Dolan films I KILLED MY MOTHER, HEARTBEATS, and LAURENCE ANYWAYS.) Though I feel the film could still use some trimming (much like I did with LAURENCE ANWAYS), I ultimately think it’s a solid film with some dark Oedipal themes. The small aspect ratio is also exciting (its such a narrow frame that there’s barely ever room for more than one person in a shot – much like “Mommy’s” life).

After MOMMY, I ran into some folks I know…different people who play a variety of roles in the industry – PR, distribution, press. It’s fun to just randomly stumble into folks from across the country all in the same place. I grabbed a bite with a friend from NYC and then I headed to my next P&I screening.

’71 – a period military thriller set in Belfast during a rather scary time – is a tense film with strong performances and great editing. Though I rarely like films with lots of gun play, I was quickly enamored by the main character. It’s the story of a British soldier, who during a scuffle with vocal and eventually violent townspeople, is separated from his unit in IRA-controlled territory. Once his unit discovers that he’s missing, the film becomes a manhunt – both from his fellow soldiers who want to bring him back and from the IRA who want him dead.

For my last screening of the day, I went to the Opening Night Film – THE JUDGE. This is a film that will open wide (aka – at multiplexes everywhere…not THE NEON). This was my first time attending Opening Night festivities (Glenn Kiser, a director who visited The Dayton LGBT Film Festival with his short film SABBATICAL, invited me to be his guest). Director David Dobkin and stars Robert Duvall, Robert Downey Jr., Vera Farmiga, Vincent D’Onofrio and others introduced the film. It’s the story of a sleek, big city lawyer who returns home to the midWest for the funeral of his mother. Long-estranged from his father, the trip isn’t meant to last long. But the revelation that his father has been involved in an accident which resulted in the death of a former defendant has him sticking around to defend his father in court. For the first 20-30 minutes, I thought I was in for a truly terrible ride…but eventually the film found its sometimes-stable footing and managed to have a few honest, wonderful moments (Duvall was the reason for any of these scenes). Ultimately, the film is too, too long and full of contrived moments – with lots of terribly underused great actors.

After the film, Glenn and I attended the Opening Night Party. Hundreds of beautiful, well-dressed people filled the TIFF Bell Lightbox – with music booming, dancers on scaffolding and appetizers and cocktails swirling around the various rooms and levels. It was fun to people watch for a while, but eventually we left to grab dinner…and I got back to my apartment by 1:30am. At 6:10am, my alarm will go off and I’ll be running out the door by 6:30.

More tomorrow!

Thanks for reading,

Jonathan

TIFF (The Toronto International Film Festival) Starts Today!

September 4, 2014 By Jonathan McNeal

Hello Everyone.

Jonathan from THE NEON here. After a rather hideous day of travel (including an unexpected, long stop in Chicago due to passport issues (my own fault)), I finally made it to Toronto. As of right now, I’m about a 1/2 day behind. It’s 7:30am, and I’m usually in line for tickets. That said, I don’t yet have my credentials (which is why I wanted to arrive yesterday afternoon)…so I have to wait for a different office to open at 9am (I’m first in line – as I’m determined to get back on track as soon as possible).

Having only briefly looked at the catalog on-line, I still don’t have a complete sense of what I want to see (I need both an actual catalog in my hands as well as to hear the buzz about what’s hot to truly know what’s happening). I have a list of about 15 films that I “Must” see…but what will fill the other 15-20 spots has yet to be determined. My list includes THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING about Stephen Hawking, Ozon’s new film NEW GIRLFRIEND, Xavier Dolan’s film MOMMY, the new film from the Dardenne Brothers – TWO DAYS, ONE NIGHT, and the adaptation of the play MISS JULIE. Here are a couple trailers to hold you over:

Tomorrow morning, you’ll be able to check in and read about what I get to see today. One thing is for sure, I have a ticket to the opening night film tonight. A previous guest of The Dayton LGBT Film Festival – Glenn Kiser – invited me to be his guest this evening. I’m excited to finally attend an Opening Night film…as well as to see Glenn again.

More soon,

Jonathan

AUSTENLAND Opens at THE NEON + New Event News!

September 18, 2013 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

I’m back from Toronto, and I had a wonderful time. The film culture in Toronto – especially with the addition of the TIFF Bell Lightbox and their year-round programming – is phenomenal. In all, I saw 32 films at this year’s festival (out of 300+ options), and I met some great people. Now it’s back to focusing on Dayton’s film culture! There are some fun announcements below.

This Friday, we will open a new romantic comedy based on the popular novel – AUSTENLAND. On our other screen, we will hold BLUE JASMINE and BLACKFISH for one more week…in addition to an encore screening of The Big Lens Film Festival. For remaining showtimes for this week, visit our official site at www.neonmovies.com.

Synopsis for AUSTENLAND: “Jane Hayes is obsessed with all things Jane Austen. But when she decides to spend her life savings on a trip to a resort catering to Austen-crazed women, Jane’s fantasies of meeting the perfect gentleman suddenly become more complicated than she ever could have imagined.” (taken from Sony Pictures Classics) Click HERE to visit the film’s official site.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbHr8YyjSlg’]

Due to the previous SOLD-OUT screenings, WSU’s Annual Big Lens Film Festival is returning to THE NEON for one more night. “The 21st Annual Big Lens Film Festival will play Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 7:30 at the THE NEON…Every year, Big Lens screens a selection of the very best short films to come from the Wright State University Motion Picture program, and this year is no different! Ranging from documentary to narrative, these six films cover a wide variety of subjects and emotions. Tickets, just $7 each, are now available at THE NEON. Some films may contain adult content.” (taken from Big Lens press release)

And speaking of film festivals, THE DAYTON LGBT FILM FESTIVAL is heading into its 8th year. The dates are set for October 11-13, and the line-up is fantastic. The committee has been working on this year’s festival since April, and we’re currently in the process of securing guest artists (and getting the website 100% ready). The official site should be ready by the end of the week, but you can visit our Facebook Page to get a glimpse of what’s happening. At the very least, be sure to check out the trailer for REACHING FOR THE MOON – it’s certainly NEON-hit material.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27YqB_UZ9u8′]

Thanks for your continued support!
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri, Sept. 20 – Thurs, Sept. 26:

BLUE JASMINE (PG-13) 1 Hr 38 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 5:10, 7:20
Monday: 3:10, 7:40
Tuesday: 3:10
Wednesday & Thursday: 3:10, 7:40

BLACKFISH (PG-13) 1 Hr 23 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 3:10, 9:30
Monday – Thursday: 5:30

AUSTENLAND (PG-13) 1 Hr 37 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:30, 2:45, 5:00, 7:15, 9:30
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:15, 7:30

THE BIG LENS FILM FESTIVAL (NR)
Tuesday: 7:30

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
Sept. 27 – SALINGER
TBD – THE HUNT
Oct. 4 – ENOUGH SAID
Oct. 11 – THE PATIENCE STONE
Oct. 18 – INEQUALITY FOR ALL
Oct. 25 – WADJDA
Nov. 22- KILL YOUR DARLINGS
Nov. 22 –DALLAS BUYERS CLUB
TBD – CUTIE AND THE BOXER